Monday Moments: Recent Episodes
Freedom Fellowship
Welcome to Monday Moments, the show in which we take a deeper dive into Sunday's sermon.God's Word holds so much truth and depth, and there isn't enough time to share as much as we would like to on Sundays. So we're bringing that extra depth to you through a simple conversation with the pastor. We explore the topic, its relevance, break down word meanings, and more.We hope this show enriches your relationship with Jesus and the Bible. Thank you for listening!
What if the peace and rest we're constantly chasing aren't waiting for us on the other side of our circumstances?
In Episode 175 of Monday Moments, Travis and Pastor James continue their conversation about Everyday Sabbath and what it means to live life at God's pace. Together, they explore the deeper meaning of Psalm 23, Jesus' invitation to the weary in Matthew 11, and what it really looks like to abide with Christ.
We often tell ourselves, "I'll finally have peace when I get there" - when we reach the next promotion, the next income level, the next season of life, or when our current problems finally go away. But the target keeps moving, and the satisfaction we're looking for never quite arrives.
The good news is that Jesus offers something different. He doesn't promise a life without trials or trouble. Instead, He invites us to rest in Him in the middle of them.
In this episode, we talk about:
• Why Psalm 23 describes a life of rest that can be experienced right now
• The difference between running ahead and abiding with Jesus
• Why true Sabbath is about ceasing from our own efforts and trusting the Father's provision
• How good things can become idols when they take the place of God
• Why discipline and difficult seasons can be used by God for our good
• The danger of constantly chasing "the next thing"
• How to recognize the areas of life where we're still trying to maintain control
• Why true rest comes from surrendering to God rather than escaping our circumstances
Take a moment to ask yourself: What would my heart's compass point toward right now?
And more importantly: What areas of my life am I not truly trusting God with?
As Psalm 139 reminds us, we can invite God to search our hearts, reveal what needs to change, and lead us in His everlasting way.
Scripture references: Matthew 11:28, Psalm 23, John 15, Philippians 4:6–8, John 16:33, James 1, Psalm 139
MondayMoments #EverydaySabbath #FindingRest #ChristianLiving #Faith #Jesus #Sabbath #TrustGod
Are spiritual disciplines enough?
In this episode of Monday Moments, Pastor Charlie and Travis continue our Everyday Sabbath series by exploring a crucial truth: the goal of Sabbath isn't simply to rest - it's to reconnect with the true source of life, the Holy Spirit.
Drawing from Acts 1–2, John 15, and other key passages, they discuss why the early church wasn't transformed by better methods or programs, but by the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. They also explain how practices like Sabbath, prayer, and Bible reading are meant to create space for God to work in us - not become substitutes for Him.
In this episode you'll discover:
• Why spiritual disciplines are a means, not the destination.
• The difference between striving for God and surrendering to God.
• How Sabbath helps us trust God's provision instead of our own effort.
• What it means to stay connected to the true source of spiritual life.
• Practical encouragement for walking daily with the Holy Spirit.
Whether you're participating in the Everyday Sabbath journey or simply longing for a deeper relationship with Christ, this conversation will encourage you to move beyond religious activity and into a life empowered by the Holy Spirit.
If this episode encourages you, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who needs the reminder that true transformation comes from staying connected to the Source.
MondayMoments #Sabbath #HolySpirit #ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth #FreedomFellowshipChurch #Acts2 #John15 #Faith #RestInGod
Is community enough?
In this episode of Monday Moments, Pastor Dennis and Travis explore one of the most important distinctions in the New Testament: the difference between community and koinonia.
While community is built around common interests and shared experiences, biblical koinonia is something far deeper. It is a Spirit-filled partnership centered on Jesus Christ - sharing His life, His mission, His love, and His purpose together.
As our 40 Days of Sabbath continues, discover why authentic Christian fellowship is an essential part of God's design for rest, spiritual growth, and a transformed life.
In this episode you'll learn:
• Why Sabbath has always been about relationships.
• The biblical meaning of koinonia.
• Why agape love is the foundation of true fellowship.
• How the early church modeled life together.
• Why genuine Christian relationships become a powerful witness to the world.
Key Scriptures:
- Acts 2:42 - 47
- John 13:34 - 35
- John 17
- 1 John 4:19
If this episode encourages you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who is longing for deeper, Christ-centered relationships.
MondayMoments #Sabbath #Koinonia #BiblicalCommunity #Acts2 #FreedomFellowship #ChristianLiving #Discipleship #AgapeLove #ChurchLife
In this episode of Monday Moments, Pastor James and Travis continue the Everyday Disciple series by exploring one of the most overlooked spiritual disciplines: fasting.
Many people think fasting is only for pastors, monks, or especially "spiritual" Christians. But Scripture presents fasting as a regular part of following Jesus - a practice that helps us humble ourselves, seek God's direction, and draw closer to His presence.
In this conversation, you'll discover:
• What biblical fasting really is (and what it isn't)
• Why fasting is always connected to prayer
• How fasting transforms our hearts - not God's mind
• Practical ways to make fasting a regular spiritual rhythm
• Why pursuing God's presence is always worth more than temporary comfort
Whether you're new to fasting or have practiced it for years, this conversation will encourage you to pursue the Lord with humility and purpose.
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who wants to grow as an everyday disciple.
MondayMoments #Fasting #SpiritualDisciplines #EverydayDisciple #Prayer #ChristianLiving #Faith #BibleStudy #Discipleship #FreedomFellowshipChurch
Have you ever wondered if you just don't have enough faith?
In this episode of Monday Moments, Travis sits down with Pastor Dennis to explore one of the most misunderstood topics in the Christian life: faith. Is faith something we need more of, or is the real question where we're placing it?
Drawing from Hebrews 11 and personal experience, Pastor Dennis explains that biblical faith isn't about manufacturing certainty or getting everything we ask for. Instead, it's about believing God is who He says He is and trusting His character even when life doesn't unfold the way we hoped.
In this conversation, you'll discover:
• Why faith is part of human nature and how we choose where to place it
• The difference between faith and trust - and why both matter
• Why unanswered prayers don't necessarily mean weak faith
• How suffering and the "death of a vision" often prepare us for God's greater purposes
• What it means to leave the seed in the ground and trust God's timing
• Why seeking God's heart is more important than seeking His hand
• How remembering God's faithfulness strengthens us for the future
Whether you're walking through disappointment, waiting on God, or questioning your own faith, this episode offers hope and practical encouragement to keep trusting the One who has always been faithful.
Key Passage: Hebrews 11
If this conversation encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that faith isn't about having more - it's about trusting the right One.
MondayMoments #Faith #TrustGod #Hebrews11 #ChristianLiving #EverydayDisciple #BibleStudy #HopeInChrist #Discipleship #FaithOverFear
What does Jesus mean when He says, "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the world"?
In Episode 170 of Monday Moments, Travis and Pastor James continue their journey through the Sermon on the Mount, exploring Matthew 5:13-16. Together, they unpack Jesus' powerful imagery of salt, light, and a city on a hill, revealing what it means for believers to influence the world around them.
In this episode, you'll discover:
🔹 Why salt was such a powerful metaphor in Jesus' day
🔹 How Christians are called to preserve, heal, and enhance the world around them
🔹 What it means to lose your "saltiness" and why it matters
🔹 How God's people can shine light into dark places
🔹 Why influence isn't about popularity - it's about reflecting Christ
🔹 The connection between the Beatitudes and kingdom living
🔹 How humility, repentance, and dependence on Jesus shape our witness
Whether you're seeking to make an impact in your family, workplace, church, or community, this conversation offers practical encouragement for living as a faithful follower of Christ in today's culture.
📖 Key Passage: Matthew 5:13-16
👍 If this conversation encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who wants to grow deeper in their faith.
MondayMoments #SermonOnTheMount #SaltAndLight #Matthew5 #ChristianLiving #Discipleship #KingdomOfGod #FaithInAction #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast
What if the life we naturally chase is the exact opposite of the life Jesus called blessed?
In this episode of Monday Moments, Travis and Pastor Charlie dive deeper into the opening words of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and unpack what the Beatitudes really mean. Together they explore spiritual poverty, repentance, humility, meekness, and why true transformation can’t happen through “trying harder” alone.
This conversation wrestles with some deeply practical questions:
- Why is it so hard to admit we need God?
- What’s the difference between guilt and true repentance?
- Why do we keep trying to fix ourselves?
- How does Christian community actually help us change?
- What does biblical humility really look like?
If you’ve ever felt exhausted trying to hold your life together, this conversation is a reminder that the Kingdom of God begins not with self-sufficiency, but surrender.
You don’t need a better life strategy—you need true belonging.
In this episode of Monday Moments, we take a deeper dive into what it really means to belong to God—and why that truth changes everything. Too often, faith gets reduced to behavior, performance, or trying to live a “good life.” But Scripture reveals something deeper: holiness isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you belong to.
We explore how identity in Christ reshapes everyday life, from relationships and habits to how we respond under pressure. If you’ve ever wrestled with feeling stuck, striving, or unsure of your purpose, this conversation will help reframe your faith around relationship instead of performance.
Because when you understand who you belong to, everything else starts to fall into place.
What does it really look like to follow Jesus in everyday life?
In this episode of Monday Moments, we dive into a powerful but often overlooked truth: how we come to Jesus—and how often we come to Him—reveals what we truly believe about Him. Through the story of the wedding at Cana and the example of Mary’s simple faith, we explore what it means to bring everything to Jesus—not just the big, overwhelming moments, but the ordinary, everyday situations we often try to handle on our own.
If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, control, or trusting God’s plan when it doesn’t match your expectations, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. Discover how a life of continual prayer, surrender, and trust leads to something we all long for: real, lasting peace.
What does it actually look like to live out the gospel in your everyday life?
In this episode of Monday Moments, Travis and Pastor James unpack a powerful truth: the gospel was never meant to be a scripted presentation—it’s meant to be embodied through real relationships.
If you’ve ever felt unsure, awkward, or hesitant about sharing your faith, this conversation will help you rethink everything. Instead of focusing on methods or pressure-filled moments, you’ll discover how slowing down, building genuine connections, and simply pointing people to Jesus can transform the way you live on mission.
You’ll learn:
- Why most Christians struggle to share their faith
- The biggest mistake people make when presenting the gospel
- How busyness and distraction keep us from real impact
- A simple, practical way to live on mission every day
- Why the gospel isn’t complete until it goes out
This isn’t about having all the right words—it’s about living a life that reveals Jesus.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start where you are.
What’s the best way to grow as a disciple of Jesus?
Many Christians swing between two extremes: trying harder through willpower or waiting for God to magically change us. But the way of Jesus is something different.
In this episode of Monday Moments, we explore what it really means to draw near to Jesus and grow in discipleship. Pastor Charlie shares how spiritual transformation happens through an intentional relationship with Christ—not legalism, and not passivity.
You’ll discover:
• Why Jesus chose ordinary people as disciples
• What it actually means to “draw near to God”
• How to arrange your daily life to be with Jesus
• The role of spiritual disciplines in real transformation
• A simple framework for Scripture meditation: Read, Reflect, Respond, Rest
Discipleship isn’t about perfection—it’s about practicing the way of Jesus over time.
If you want to grow deeper in your relationship with Christ, this conversation will give you practical steps to begin.
In this episode of Monday Moments, we take a deeper dive into Sunday’s message on obedience in the ordinary - the unseen, uncelebrated moments where spiritual growth actually happens.
Most of our lives aren’t lived on a stage or in the spotlight. They’re lived in everyday routines, quiet faithfulness, and consistent discipline. In this conversation, Travis and Pastor James reflect on how Scripture consistently shows that God does His deepest work not in the extraordinary moments, but in the ordinary ones.
Together, they explore:
- Why most of Jesus’ life was lived in obscurity - and why that matters
- How spiritual discipline prepares us for pivotal moments
- The difference between desire and discipline in following Jesus
- Why obedience isn’t behavior modification, but the fruit of repentance and faith
- How faithfulness in daily life produces lasting spiritual fruit
From the lives of Jesus, Moses, David, Job, and others, this episode challenges our culture’s obsession with influence, visibility, and quick results—and invites us to rediscover the power of quiet obedience.
If you’ve ever wondered whether the “mundane” parts of your life really matter to God, this conversation is for you.
📖 Discipleship requires repentance and faith—and produces obedience and fruit.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode if it encouraged you.
Why does worship matter so much - and why does it come before everything else in the life of a disciple?
In this episode of Monday Moments, Travis sits down with Pastor Dennis to continue the Everyday Disciple series with a deeper conversation on the importance of worship. Together, they explore why worship is not just music or singing, but the essential starting place for following Jesus.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Why humanity was created with the choice to worship
- How worship “plows the soil” of our hearts for God’s Word
- The difference between worship as information vs. worship as relationship
- Why music plays such a powerful role in biblical worship
- How corporate worship unites the church and reflects heaven
- Practical encouragement for anyone who feels like a spectator instead of a worshiper
Whether you’re new to faith, feeling spiritually distant, or simply wanting to deepen your walk with Jesus, this conversation invites you back to the heart of worship - where discipleship truly begins.
📖 “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” 🎶 Worship isn’t about performance - it’s about surrender.
Thanks for joining us for another episode of Monday Moments. We pray this conversation draws you closer to the Lord and renews your passion for worship, both personally and as the body of Christ.
What does it actually mean to be a disciple of Jesus?
“Disciple” is one of the most common words in Christianity and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of Monday Moments, Travis sits down with Pastor James to continue the Everyday Disciple series and unpack what discipleship truly is, and what it is not.
Is discipleship a higher level of Christianity?
Is it a program, a process, or something only for “super Christians”?
Or is it simply what it means to follow Jesus?
In this conversation, we explore:
- Why discipleship is not a status, program, or checklist
- The difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him
- How relationship - not behavior modification - produces real transformation
- The danger of making disciples of ourselves instead of disciples of Christ
- Why abiding in Jesus is the source of freedom, love, and spiritual fruit
- What it actually costs to follow Jesus - and why it’s worth everything
Jesus doesn’t call us to perform for Him - He calls us to be with Him.
Discipleship is not about earning a title, but yielding your life to the One who already gave everything for you. Our prayer is that this episode draws you deeper - not into religious effort, but into a living, growing relationship with Jesus.
📖 “Come to Me… and learn from Me.” (Matthew 11:28–29)
Thanks for joining us for Monday Moments. We’ll see you next week.
Where does discipleship really begin? Not with fear. Not with performance. Not with religion. It begins with mercy.
In this powerful episode of Monday Moments, Travis and Pastor Dennis dive deep into the heart of true discipleship by exploring the nature of God as rich in mercy, compassion, and lovingkindness. Drawing from John 3:16, Ephesians 2, Exodus, and the Gospel of John, this conversation contrasts transactional religion with relational faith, revealing how transformation happens when we truly know who God is.
This episode unpacks:
- The difference between transactional faith vs. relational discipleship
- Why God’s mercy is the foundation of spiritual growth
- How fear-based religion distorts our view of God
- What it means to be discipled by Jesus instead of algorithms
- Why compassion changes hearts more than performance ever could
- How understanding God’s mercy transforms families and generations
Pastor Dennis shares deeply personal stories, biblical insight, and timeless truth that redefine what it means to follow Jesus - not as a fearful servant, but as a beloved child. Discipleship doesn’t start with obedience. It starts with knowing who God is.
If you're longing for a deeper walk with Jesus, a clearer picture of God’s heart, and a faith rooted in love instead of fear - this episode is for you.
📖 Key Scriptures Referenced:
John 3:16
Ephesians 2
Exodus 34
John 1
John 15
Hosea
Psalms
🎙️ Series: Everyday Disciple
📍 Episode: Monday Moments – Episode 161
👉 Like, Subscribe, and Share to help others discover the freedom found in God’s mercy.
Taking up our cross and following Jesus sounds simple, but when everyday life presses in, it becomes far more challenging.
In this episode of Monday Moments, Travis sits down with Pastor James to unpack what Jesus truly means when He calls us to follow Him daily. As part of our Everyday Discipleship series, this conversation explores the heart of discipleship: repentance and faith, not as behavior modification, but as genuine transformation.
Together, we discuss:
- What repentance is and what it is not
- The difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow
- Why repentance must lead to real change
- How faith goes beyond belief and results in action
- The idols we often hold onto without realizing it
- Why following Jesus costs us less than we think, and gives us far more than we imagine
Pastor James reminds us that discipleship is not about trying harder, but about trusting deeper. When we surrender control, release false identities, and put our faith fully in Christ, the fruit of obedience begins to grow - not by our strength, but by His grace.
📖 Key Scriptures Referenced:
- Luke 9:23
- Romans 12:1–2
- Psalm 139:23–24
- James 2
- John 15
Whether you’re new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, this episode invites you to ask an honest question: Do I really want to change - and am I willing to trust Jesus with everything?
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone walking the road of discipleship with you.
What does it really mean to live out the Great Commission—without guilt, shame, or fear?
In this episode of Monday Moments, Travis sits down with Pastor James to unpack what it looks like to be intentional about making disciples in everyday life. Together, they explore Jesus’ heart for the lost, the danger of complacency, and how compassion—not pressure—should fuel evangelism and discipleship.
This conversation goes beyond programs and formulas, focusing instead on proximity, relationships, and living a life that quietly but powerfully preaches the gospel.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why Jesus came “to seek and to save the lost”
- How good things can subtly distract us from our calling
- The difference between conviction and shame
- Why proximity matters more than pressure in disciple-making
- How to share the gospel through everyday rhythms of life
- What it looks like to live with compassion, patience, and intentionality
- Why discipleship often requires inconvenience—and why it’s worth it
Whether you feel hesitant, afraid of rejection, or burdened by past experiences with guilt-driven evangelism, this episode offers a refreshing, grace-filled perspective on living out your faith authentically.
You’re preaching a gospel every day. What story is your life telling?
If this conversation encouraged you, we’d love to hear what God is teaching you. Share in the comments and join us next week for another episode of Monday Moments.
In Episode 157, we explore one of the most overlooked, but deeply meaningful parts of Scripture: the genealogy of Jesus. Why does Luke trace Jesus’ lineage all the way back to Adam? What does it teach us about God’s faithfulness, human weakness, and the long seasons of waiting?
Join us as we discuss:
- Why Jesus’ genealogy matters more than we realize
- How Luke’s backward genealogy reframes the story of Jesus
- The 400 years of silence—and what they mean for our own seasons of waiting
- How God works through the mundane, the unknown, and the in-between moments
- The significance of Jesus’ baptism in breaking the cycle of human failure
- Practical ways to lean into longing, hope, and the Advent season
Whether you’re new to Advent or have celebrated it for years, this conversation offers encouragement, perspective, and a reminder that God is always at work—even when He feels silent.
At the end of the episode, Pastor closes with a heartfelt prayer for anyone walking through darkness, dryness, or uncertainty during this season.
✨ God kept His promise then. He will keep it again.
✨ Emmanuel—God with us—remains our hope.
When we fail, struggle, or feel overtaken by life, why is our first instinct to hide from God and from others?
In this episode of Monday Moments, Travis and Pastor James dive deep into Galatians 6, exploring what real restoration looks like, how grace transforms us, and why true Christian community is essential to healing.
Together they unpack:
- Why we hide when we’re hurting
- Grace vs. the law, and the dangers of comparison
- How God restores us through gentleness, not shame
- What it really means to bear one another’s burdens
- Why humility and vulnerability are vital for spiritual growth
- The role of the Holy Spirit in transformation
- How the church can become a place of healing instead of hiding
This encouraging conversation reminds us that we weren’t designed to fight our battles alone.
Restoration is possible, not through trying harder, but through grace, community, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
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Reflect on Galatians 6 with us this week!
If the Christian life is supposed to be marked by joy, peace, unity, and purpose, why do so many believers still struggle with anger, division, comparison, and self-centered living? In this week’s episode, Travis and Pastor James take a deep dive into Galatians 5 and unpack Paul’s surprising claim that everyone is bound to something—so choose wisely. Together they explore why binding yourself to Christ is the only path to true freedom, how legalism still sneaks into modern Christianity, why our words can “bite and devour” others, and how the fruit of the Spirit grows naturally when we’re planted in grace rather than self-effort. This conversation is full of clarity, challenge, and hope as we learn how freedom for Christ transforms how we love others.
Are you frustrated that the fruit of the Spirit, namely love, joy, peace, patience feels missing in your life? You might be wrestling with one of the grace gatekeepers keeping you from experiencing God’s amazing grace in full.
In this week’s episode of Monday Moments, Pastor Dennis and Travis dive deep into Galatians 5, exploring:
- The danger of transactional religion — and why it’s the new legalism.
- The difference between common grace and tailor-made grace.
- Three hidden barriers that hinder grace: knowledge, self-pity, and trying to be the Holy Spirit.
- How to receive grace like a child and bear lasting fruit through the Spirit.
God’s grace isn’t something you earn, it’s something you receive. Discover how to live in His amazing, abundant grace today.
Key Scripture: Galatians 5:22–23
Hosts: Pastor Dennis & Travis
Series: Monday Moments Episode 154
If this message encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs a reminder of God’s grace.
Grace #Galatians5 #FruitOfTheSpirit #MondayMoments #FaithPodcast #ChristianLiving
In this week’s episode of Monday Moments, Pastor James and Matt dive into Galatians 5 and the challenge of living out our faith with both grace and purpose.
They unpack Paul’s analogy of running the race of faith, contrasting casual Christianity with a fully surrendered life. Together, they discuss how grace and works are not at odds, but deeply connected: true grace produces real change.
You’ll learn about:
- The difference between legalism and love
- What it means when Paul says, “You were running so well”
- How small compromises can lead us off course
- Why faith without works is dead and how to live with grace-driven action
- Practical encouragement from 1 Thessalonians 5 on how to live a life marked by love, patience, and gratitude
Whether you’re running strong or feeling stuck, this episode will help you re-center your faith, stay the course, and reflect the grace of Jesus in every part of life.
👉 Subscribe for more weekly insights and encouragement from Monday Moments.
📖 Scripture references: Galatians 5, James 2, 1 Thessalonians 5
MondayMoments #Galatians5 #FaithAndWorks #Grace #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #RunTheRace #JesusCenteredLife
Why do so many of us live our lives as if we’re just trying to keep God happy? In this episode of Monday Moments, Travis and Pastor James dive into Galatians 5 to explore Paul’s declaration: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”
They discuss:
- The difference between American freedom and biblical freedom
- How misunderstanding grace can lead to legalism or pride
- Why surrender, not self-reliance, leads to lasting joy
- The role of humility and community in standing firm in freedom
If you’ve ever wrestled with performance-based faith or wondered how to live in true grace, this conversation will encourage and challenge you.
Scripture: Galatians 5:1
Watch or listen each week for more conversations that connect Sunday’s message to everyday life.
MondayMoments #GalatiansStudy #FreedomInChrist #GraceOverLaw #UnityInChrist #FaithPodcast #BibleStudy
We all long to be free—but too often we try to earn God’s love through our own effort. In this week’s Monday Moments, Pastor Charlie unpacks Galatians 4–5 and shows us that true freedom comes only through Jesus. Discover how God transforms striving into trust, and control into surrender, so we can live in His promises and overflow with His love.
In this week’s Monday Moments, Pastor James and Travis unpack what Paul teaches in Galatians about the purpose of the law — and how easily our preferences can turn into prejudices that divide the church.
From worship styles to parenting choices and politics, this conversation challenges us to walk in freedom through grace, not in the bondage of comparison or self-justification.
🔹 What’s the difference between preference and prejudice?
🔹 How does the law point us to our need for Jesus?
🔹 What does true unity in the church look like today?
Join us as we explore how the gospel calls us to love, humility, and unity — even when we see things differently.
📖 Scripture Focus: Galatians 3–4
🎧 Watch or listen each week for more conversations that connect Sunday’s message to everyday life.
MondayMoments #GalatiansStudy #FreedomInChrist #GraceOverLaw #UnityInChrist #FaithPodcast #BibleStudy
If we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, then what purpose does the law serve today? In this episode of Monday Moments, Travis and Pastor Dennis dive into Galatians 3 to unpack the difference between legalism and living in the freedom of the Spirit.
We discuss:
- Why legalism still sneaks into the church today
- The difference between serving God out of law vs. love
- How the Holy Spirit transforms our lives
- What it means to live in true freedom in Christ
We hope this conversation encourages you to draw closer to God and live out of His love, not out of fear or performance.
📖 Scripture Reference: Galatians 3, Romans 7, John 13–17
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Are you exhausted from trying to prove yourself to God—constantly doing more, yet never feeling like it’s enough? In this episode of Monday Moments, Pastor Dennis joins us to share the heart of his message “It’s All Grace.”
Together, we dive into:
- Why performance-driven religion leads to burnout
- The difference between serving God out of fear and serving Him out of love
- How Jesus’ perfect love sets us free from legalism
- Practical ways to live in rest, freedom, and joy through God’s grace
This conversation will encourage anyone who feels weary, burdened, or caught in the endless cycle of “trying harder.” The good news is simple but life-changing: God’s favor isn’t something you earn—it’s already yours in Christ.
Listen in, be refreshed, and find the freedom your soul longs for.
Are we walking in the truth of the gospel—or have we started following a “different” gospel? In this episode of Monday Moments, Travis and Pastor James dive into Galatians 3 and explore what it means to live by grace through faith in Christ alone.
Topics we cover:
- The dangers of adding to or subtracting from the gospel
- Why joy disappears when we try to earn God’s favor
- The freedom that comes from surrendering control to Jesus
- How to recognize false gospels in today’s culture
Be encouraged: salvation is not Jesus plus something—it’s Jesus alone. His grace is sufficient.
Subscribe for weekly conversations that take Sunday’s sermon deeper into your everyday life.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think Jesus chose a Samaritan—someone hated by the Jews—to be the hero of the story?
- What does it mean for the Church today to live as “the inn” between Christ’s first and second coming?
- How do we avoid becoming the priest or the levite?
- How do we preach the urgency of Christ’s return in a culture that often avoids eschatology?
- Why do people often avoid this topic?
- Why do other people obsess over this to the point of trying to decipher the exact date of Christ’s return
- How can I “move the needle” if I am not financially blessed?
- Story of the widow’s mites
- Give in other ways
- What’s one small, practical way our church could better care for the wounded today?
In this week’s episode of Monday Moments, we dive deeper into Sunday’s message, exploring the tension between rest, trust, and obedience. We talk about what it means to truly stop striving—not because everything is done, but because we trust the One who provides. Whether you’re wrestling with busyness, battling the fear of “falling behind,” or longing for a deeper trust in God, this conversation will encourage you to rest in His presence and follow His lead.
What if rest wasn’t just about recharging... but about becoming ready to heal others?
In this week’s episode, Pastor James dives deep into the story of the Good Samaritan to explore how rest and compassion are intimately connected. You’ll learn why biblical rest creates margin for ministry—and how Jesus uses oil, wine, and bandages to show us what healing love looks like.
Whether you’re a lifelong believer or just exploring faith, this episode invites you to slow down, see people differently, and join Jesus in the sacred work of restoration.
Key Topics:
- Sabbath as preparation for compassion
- Understanding the symbolism of oil and wine
- The cost—and calling—of loving your neighbor
- Healing as a lifestyle of rest and obedience
Tune in now and rediscover what it means to rest with purpose.
Series: Reframing RestSpeaker: Pastor Dennis Gallaher
In this Episode:
What if compassion is the key to understanding what true rest really offers?
In part 4 of our Reframing Rest series, Pastor Dennis Gallaher talks about compassion and how it leads us to understanding not only what the Father offers but also who He truly is. Join us as we define compassion and discover the great gift we have in Jesus.
If you have ever:
- Wondered where rest begins
- Struggled to see the Father’s heart
- Worried more about your condition than your position
This episode is for you
What you’ll learn
- How compassion begins with knowing the Father
- Why comfort is key to our healing
- How “removing aloneness” is the first step to finding rest
Key Scriptures
- Luke 10:33
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-9, 7:5-6
- Exodus 34:5-7
Series: Reframing RestSpeaker: Pastor Dennis Gallaher
In This Episode:What if your restlessness isn’t just about your schedule… but your trust?
In this episode of Monday Moments, we look at the story of manna in the wilderness and how Sabbath rest was never just about sleep or recovery—it was about trust. Trusting that God will provide. Trusting that we don’t have to hustle to hold everything together. Trusting that when we stop, He doesn’t.
If you’ve ever struggled to rest without guilt, feared falling behind, or felt like stopping meant losing control—this episode is for you.
Key Points:
- Why rest is more about trust than time
- How the Sabbath exposes our fears and self-reliance
- What it means to live in the “daily bread” mindset
- How Sabbath is a countercultural resistance to burnout
Key Scriptures:
- Exodus 16:1–35
- Hebrews 3:7–4:11
- Psalm 127:1–2
Series: Reframing RestSpeaker: Pastor James Gallaher
In This Episode:
What if rest isn’t just for recovery—but for remembering?
In Part 2 of Reframing Rest, Pastor Dennis takes us deeper into the biblical concept of Sabbath—not as a break from life, but as a bold resistance to the world’s lies. In a culture obsessed with hustle, status, and distraction, Sabbath realigns our hearts with God’s truth.
Through Scripture and soul-searching questions, this episode explores how Sabbath reveals what we’ve forgotten: that our identity, value, and peace come not from what we do, but from who God is.
📌 Key Points:
- Sabbath is spiritual resistance against hustle, consumerism, and self-reliance.
- Rest is remembrance. God calls us to stop so we can remember what’s true.
- Our desires are shaped by what we continually consume—rest re-centers them on God.
- Sabbath is a weekly invitation to live as people set apart, not driven by culture’s demands.
- It’s not about doing nothing. It’s about doing what restores your soul in God’s presence.
📖 Key Scriptures:
- Exodus 20:8–11 – “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy…”
- Deuteronomy 5:15 – “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt…”
- Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world…”
- Matthew 11:28–30 – “Come to Me… and I will give you rest.”
- Psalm 23:1–3 – “He makes me lie down… He restores my soul.”
Episode Title: Trust, Identity, and the Gift We Keep RejectingSeries: Reframing RestSpeaker: Pastor Charlie Kim
In This Episode:
Why do we resist rest?
In this episode, Pastor Charlie unpacks the biblical rhythm of Sabbath—and why we so often fight the very thing our souls are starving for. Rest isn’t laziness. It’s worship. And it’s not a reward for being productive—it’s a rhythm that reclaims our peace, trust, and identity.
📖 In This Episode:
- Why God rested even though He wasn’t tired
- How Sabbath reorients our identity in Christ
- The dangers of hustle culture and performative faith
- What it means to trust God enough to stop
This message may be the reset your soul has been waiting for.
Main Idea:
Sabbath isn’t just about stopping. It’s about trusting. God’s invitation to rest is a call to reframe how we view our identity, our pace, and our relationship with Him.
📖 Key Scriptures:
- Hebrews 6:1–2
- Matthew 25:31–46
- Revelation 20:11–15
- 2 Peter 3:8–10
🔑 Key Points:
- God rested not because He was tired, but because He was finished.
- Sabbath is rooted in identity, not productivity.
- Rest is a declaration of trust: “God, I believe You can handle this without me.”
- The world says, “Hustle to prove yourself.” God says, “Rest to remember who you are.”
- Jesus reframes rest—not as a restriction, but as a rhythm for restoration.
Series: Core ChristianitySpeaker: Pastor James Gallaher
In This Episode:Is God’s judgment something to fear… or something to trust?
In this week’s episode, Pastor James challenges common assumptions about final judgment—and invites us to see it not as a threat, but as a promise. When we understand judgment through the lens of God's justice, we realize: He’s not just cleaning house—He’s setting things right.
Main Idea:God’s final judgment isn’t just about wrath—it’s about restoring what’s right. Justice reveals His goodness, and trusting Him means living in light of eternity now.
📖 Key Scriptures:
- Hebrews 6:1–2
- Matthew 25:31–46
- Revelation 20:11–15
- 2 Peter 3:8–10
🔑 Key Points:
- Eternal judgment is a foundational truth of the Christian faith.
- God’s justice and love are not opposites—they are perfectly unified.
- Final judgment brings hope: God will restore all things and make wrongs right.
- This isn’t just about eternity—it’s about how we live now.
Main Idea:God’s final judgment isn’t just about wrath—it’s about restoring what’s right. Justice reveals His goodness, and trusting Him means living in light of eternity now.
Series: Core ChristianitySpeaker: Pastor Bobby Hill
In This Episode:
What if the greatest battle in your life isn’t what you see—but what you can’t see? In this powerful message from 2 Kings 6, discover five key lessons from the story of Elisha and the Syrian army that will radically reshape how you face fear, make decisions, and trust God. This sermon challenges us to live with eyes of faith—trusting that God's presence and power are greater than what surrounds us.
This message, based on 2 Kings 6, unpacks the story of Elisha and the Syrian army to encourage believers to see life “through the eyes of faith.” Using the powerful moment when Elisha's servant sees the angelic army surrounding them, the speaker challenges listeners to look beyond the natural and into the spiritual. He unpacks five core lessons: God's omniscience, the power of hearing God's voice, how to handle fear, the reality of the spiritual realm, and the truth that God plus one is always a majority.
Main Idea:
We are called to live by faith, not by what we see—because God is working in the unseen.
Key Themes:
- Nothing is hidden from God – God sees and knows everything, even when we don’t.
- Hearing God's voice is powerful – Prophetic insight and spiritual sensitivity change outcomes.
- Don’t panic in the face of fear – Faith brings peace even in overwhelming situations.
- Spiritual realities are invisible to the natural eye – There are two realms, and we must learn to live in both.
- God + one is a majority – When you align with God, you're never outnumbered
Scripture References:
- 2 Kings 6:8–23
(Primary passage)
Elisha and his servant are surrounded by the Syrian army. Elisha prays for the servant’s eyes to be opened to the spiritual reality: “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” - 2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
Foundational verse for the call to live beyond the visible. - Psalm 34:7
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them.”
Reinforces the truth of God’s unseen protection. - Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Defines faith as the ability to trust what we cannot yet see. - Romans 8:31
“If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Undergirds the idea that God + one is a majority.
Series: Core ChristianitySpeaker: Pastor Dennis Gallaher
In This Episode:Anxiety is one of the most normalized struggles in our culture—even inside the Church. But Scripture gives us a better way. In this message, Pastor Dennis walks through Philippians 4 to show how a lifestyle of gratitude doesn’t just lift our mood—it disarms worry and unlocks peace. If anxiety has become a familiar companion in your life, this episode offers biblical insight and a practical path toward lasting peace.
Main Idea:Anxiety is real—but God gives us the antidote: prayer, thanksgiving, and trust. Peace isn’t just possible. It’s promised.
Key Themes:
- God’s prescription for anxiety: prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving
- Why gratitude is a spiritual strategy, not just a feeling
- The difference between worldly peace and God’s peace
- How fear, control, and grief fuel anxiety
- What it means to guard your heart with God’s peace
Scripture References:
- Philippians 4:6–7
- Matthew 6:25–34
- John 14:27
- Psalm 55:22
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
- Isaiah 26:3
Series: Core ChristianitySpeaker: Pastor James Gallaher
In This Episode:
The laying on of hands isn’t just for pastors. It’s a core part of how the Church functions—with healing, blessing, affirmation, and commissioning. But somewhere along the way, we outsourced it to the “professionals.” This message reclaims the simplicity, humility, and spiritual power of this biblical act—calling every believer to be the hands of Jesus in a world desperate for a touch from the Father.
Main Idea:
The laying on of hands isn’t mystical—it’s foundational. It’s how we bless, heal, restore, and affirm one another in the name of Jesus.
Key Themes:
- The biblical pattern of laying on hands
- Blessing, healing, commissioning, and affirmation
- Why Jesus made this part of His ministry
- Barriers that keep us from engaging (pride, pain, fear, busyness)
- How to begin walking in this call as a follower of Christ
Scripture References:
- Hebrews 6:1–2
- Luke 4:40
- Matthew 19:13–15
- Acts 6:6; 13:2–3
- Mark 10:16
- 1 Timothy 4:14
- Numbers 27:18–23
Series: Core Christianity – Part 4Speaker: Pastor Daniel
In This Episode:
It’s possible to believe the right things and still not follow Jesus. Why? Because we don’t follow what we know—we follow what we love. In this message, Pastor Daniel challenges us to examine our deepest affections. From Peter’s reinstatement to the story of the prodigal son, we see that love determines direction. If we don’t love Jesus most, we’ll always struggle to follow Him fully.
Key Themes:
- Loving Jesus as the foundation of discipleship
- How misplaced love leads to compromise or drift
- Repentance as a redirection of love
- Belief vs. affection: why knowledge isn't enough
Reflection Questions:
- What competes for your love more than Jesus?
- Are you a believer or a follower—and how can you tell?
- How can you return to your first love this week?
Scripture References:
- John 21:15–19
- Matthew 10:37–39
- Luke 15 (Prodigal Son)
- Mark 10 (Rich Young Ruler)
- 1 Corinthians 13:2
- Romans 1:25
Series: Core Christianity – Part 3Speaker: Pastor Dennis Gallaher
In This Episode:
Worship isn’t a genre. It’s a calling. In Part 3 of Core Christianity, we revisit one of the most essential—but misunderstood—foundations of our faith: worship. Through the story of Isaac in Genesis 26 and the Old Testament tabernacle model, we discover that worship is what we were made for. Learn how to restore what’s been buried, realign your heart, and reconnect with God through authentic, Spirit-filled worship.
Key Themes:
- Worship as a foundational calling, not a preference
- The danger of “barnyard worship” (outer court) and the invitation into the Holy of Holies
- Why the Old Testament tabernacle still matters today
- The personal and collective need to redig the wells of worship
Reflection Questions:
- Where in my life has worship become casual or compromised?
- What “rubble” do I need to clear out to make room for deeper worship?
- Do I see myself as the temple of God — and live like it?
Scriptures Referenced:
- Hebrews 6:1
- Genesis 26:1–25
- Exodus 25
- Psalm 95, 102, 150
- Isaiah 43:21
- 1 Corinthians 6:19
- John 4:24
Why do we keep confessing the same sin over and over — but never seem to change?
In this powerful episode from our Core Christianity series, we unpack Hebrews 6 and examine what true repentance really means. Most of us know how to apologize to God. But confession without repentance just leads to more of the same.
Real change comes not from trying harder, but from turning to God with a broken and contrite heart.
Whether you're stuck in a cycle of sin, discouraged by your lack of growth, or just hungry for more, this message will challenge and equip you to build your life on a solid foundation of repentance.
Is your faith growing — or stuck?
In this powerful first episode of the Core Christianity series, we explore why many Christians remain spiritually immature and how forgiveness is the cornerstone that allows believers to grow into Christlikeness. Drawing from Hebrews 5 and 6, we confront the temptation to soften the gospel to fit cultural expectations and highlight why understanding and practicing forgiveness is non-negotiable for true discipleship.
Whether you’ve struggled with forgiving others, yourself, or even God, this episode will help you embrace the freedom Jesus offers.
Have you ever felt like God was absent when hope was slipping away? Today, we’re talking about how Jesus restores our hope — even when we don't see Him right beside us.
What if the thing you've been chasing your whole life—success, approval, control—isn’t what your heart actually needs?
What if the key to your spiritual growth isn’t addition—but subtraction? In this message, we explore John 15:2, where Jesus teaches that God prunes every branch that bears fruit so it can bear even more. That pruning process is painful—it costs more than we expect. But what we let go of in obedience makes room for a legacy that outlives us.
Episode 128: Why Striving Fails: How True Humility Leads to Lasting Impact
We all want to make a difference, but what if our striving is getting in the way? The key to a lasting impact isn’t working harder—it’s becoming more humble. In this episode, we explore how true humility, rooted in experiencing God’s love, naturally leads to a life of sacrifice, service, and discipleship. When we empty ourselves of pride, striving, and insecurity—just as Jesus modeled in Philippians 2 and John 13—we step into the kind of leadership that truly changes lives.
Nobody likes to fail — it’s one of our greatest fears. Yet, in our broken world, failure is also one of our most common experiences. At some point, we all stumble — whether it’s in a new job, a moral struggle, a friendship, marriage, or raising our kids. And when we fail, it can feel heavy, even final. We start to wear it as a label: bad parent, bad spouse, bad employee, bad Christian. But what if failure isn’t the end of your story? What if it’s the very step leading to your next breakthrough?
Hopelessness is a burden. There’s nothing like feeling the wind completely taken out of your sails. We all go through times when it feels like there’s no movement, but to feel that you will never again feel joy about life or look forward to tomorrow is a bleak and overwhelming heaviness. When these times come, what is your response? Do you remain stuck? Do you look to someone else to get you through it? Do you look to politics or material things to ease the burden? Or do you look to the only true source of hope, even though it doesn’t always make sense? The truth is that real, biblical hope that offers a relief from the heaviness of despair is found in Jesus alone.
Have you ever taken a look at your life and wondered how in the world God can transform you? We all experience that at some point or another in our lives. What can be particularly discouraging is not understanding how God changes us and how to recognize when He’s actually at work. We feel stuck and helpless. The good news is that God has made it very clear how He makes all things new. The question is whether or not we’re going to trust His process and His tools.
Are you struggling to make sense of what seems like the random circumstances of your life? Stick around for today’s episode of Monday Moments!
Life is full of trouble. Unfortunately it’s a matter of time before we each experience something really difficult, and probably life-changing. Whether it’s because something was done to us or it’s because of our own choices isn’t the point. The point is that even though trouble feels horrible while we’re in it and it doesn’t make sense, it doesn’t have to become our identity. In fact, when we trust God to do what He does best, we find that God redeems all these moments and somehow works it all out for His glory and our good. The result isn’t an improved version of ourselves, but a different creation entirely. The best part is that this benefit isn’t just for us but for the generations who will come after us.
The word covenant may not mean much to most people these days. It can sound like an antiquated church word that lost its meaning over the years. The truth is that covenants play a pivotal role in Scripture and in our relationship with God. Simply put, when we do life God’s ways, we receive His blessings. The reason is because God chose covenants to be the way He shows His love, His plans, and His commitment to us, even if we fail. That’s what makes it so important. Without God’s commitment and God’s ways, we are left insecure in our relationship and our path through life.
The illustration of sowing and reaping is one of almost infinite parallels with life in Christ. Discipleship begins with God’s Word being the seed that is planted in our souls and bearing the fruit of salvation. The great news is that it doesn’t stop there. Being a disciple means that we are becoming more like the one we’re following. The problem is that we are incapable of doing that on our own. Our hearts are often hard and inhospitable to the upside down Kingdom of Jesus. How then can we be “successful” as disciples, becoming more like Jesus and doing the work He’s giving us to do? It may not be as complicated as we often think.
Have you ever wrestled with God, or have you simply resolved to figure it out on your own? Life isn’t always easy, and it isn’t always clear. There are a lot of “good” things we can do in this life. But is it what God has asked you to do?
If we say we are surrendered to Jesus, we should do what He is asking us to do, not what we think is best, and not what someone else thinks. The answer to leading a directed, intentional, and power-filled life is to remain connected to Him always. Jesus doesn’t tell us to remain connected to Him only on Sundays. The call is to remain connected to Him always. When we are disconnected, we can do nothing. The good news is that when we remain connected, our definition of success shifts to God’s Presence rather than what we can produce.
Many of us have an understanding, however deep or shallow, of priests. It’s a term that paints a specific picture in our modern understanding, but one that has a very deep and important meaning that goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden, Melchizedek, Aaron, and eventually Jesus. But what value does “priesthood” have on the other side of Jesus’ death and resurrection?
In the book of 1 Peter, we are called “a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9),” which suggests that the idea of priests, who have access to God and represent Him to the people, was God’s idea from the beginning and is still important today. The truth is that access to God is no longer reserved for a specific group of people, socio-economic demographic, age, or gender. Access to God is now open to all people, and we can now go out into all the world and be salt and light. And today, church isn’t just something we attend, it’s part of who we are. We all now have a calling whether it’s in your job, your family, your marriage, your church, or wherever the Lord tells you to go, and that calling determines how we live.
If you’ve ever wondered what we’re here for, you’re not alone. Discovering your purpose in life is a universal experience. We all go through it at one time or another. The world is going to try and define it in a number of ways. It might sound like career success, financial abundance, material possessions, popularity, or any other number of circumstances that, on the surface, look good. Certainly those might be blessings from the Lord, but it’s not the ultimate goal. If that’s what our eyes are set on, we will go through life sorely unfulfilled.
Jesus made it very clear that we are to go into all the world and make disciples and to baptize. No matter who you are, what your life experiences are, or what your level of education is, God has a purpose for your life that has eternal significance. Are you willing to pursue it and say “no” to the empty promises of the world?
What’s love got to do with it? Quite a bit. The truth is that love has everything to do with it. It’s the central theme of some of our favorite fairy tales and cultural bedrock. Throw a stone at any rom-com, and you’ll see that it’s all about finding true love. As young adults, we’re obsessed to the point of anxiety about finding “the one.” Love is a big deal for us.
Our world is more confused than ever about what true love really is, whether we want to admit it or not. Sadly, we are more morally bankrupt than we realize. Proverbs 27:7 says, “to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.” When we live in a continuously love-starved state, we’ll accept anything that even remotely resembles true love. Yet the very reason Jesus came was to show us what true love really is. He did it in the most unexpected way possible.
He came as a vulnerable baby, not as a conqueror. He served instead of subdued. In fact, He served the Father by dying as a criminal instead of reigning like a king. It was all because of a Father’s love. Jesus did conquer our most deadly of enemies. He turned slaves into children. He gave life instead of death and mercy instead of judgment all because of love, not because we deserved it. That’s the power of true love, and it’s found in a humble manger, a criminal’s cross, and an empty grave.
What, exactly, is “joy?” How is it different from happiness, and why is it such a big deal at Christmas?
God wanted to make it very clear that the freedom and future Jesus promised is for everyone. It’s not just for the elite, the religious, or the kings of the world. That’s why the news came first to lowly shepherds. God gives His grace to the humble and opposes the proud. That’s why they were filled with joy. God’s champion had finally come, and He came for them. We have joy at Christmas because Jesus came for you and for me to set us free and be with Him forever.
The promise of Peace suggests that within every person, there is something that carries the burden of anxiety, fear, discontentment, ambition, and other feelings that leave us joyless and exhausted. The beautiful gift of the Peace God promised us is that it’s a two-fold gift. Firstly, because of Jesus, there is peace between us and God the Father. No longer do we have to sacrfice animals, go through rituals, or work our way into God’s forgiveness. It was all fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and it will ultimately be complete when He returns again.
The second part is the gift of peace amid an ever-changing life. Change is ironically a constant in our lives. What do you do when life takes a turn? How do you respond? May we respond with the heart of Mary who said, “May it be done unto me according to Your Word (Luke 1:38).” When we are “prepared to move” wherever and whenever the Lord leads us, we find the peace we need whenever we’re faced with the curveballs.
Hope is a universal experience. But have you ever stopped to wonder why? Whether it be something innocent like presents at Christmas or something weighty like the guilt of sin or the grief of loss, hope is the anticipation of something better. Deep down, we all feel that something is amiss. Everything is not as it should be, and the reason is that we live in a world marred by sin and brokenness. Sadly, we fall into the temptation to resolve the brokenness, longings, fears, and desires in our hearts with things that don’t truly satisfy us. It may be money, politics, success, or other people. It can also be sin that feels satisfying in the moment but ultimately leaves us empty and worse than before. This is the very reason Jesus came as a child and promised to one day return. Because of this, we have a hope that is not built on circumstances or even this mortal life. This “living hope (1 Peter 1:3)” endures for this life and the next. It does not disappoint (Romans 5:5). Because of this, we can have joy and peace no matter what we face
The Bible teaches us that it is possible to be grateful and rejoice in the midst of suffering in life. In fact, the Bible not only suggests that it is possible but urges us to live in such a way. But how do we do this? How can we remain thankful and joyful when life becomes overwhelmingly hard?
Such a life of gratitude is an overflow of an intimate relationship with God. This is only possible when we focus on God instead of our circumstances. The Apostle Paul urges us to bring our anxieties to Jesus to receive his “mind-transcending” peace (Phil. 4:6-7). When we bring our anxieties to Jesus, we encounter a God who lovingly enters our anxious world. As we are assured of his presence in the midst of our hard circumstances, we will experience peace that transcends our understanding and our hearts will overflow with gratitude.
God’s Word is full of promises that are faithful and true. In fact, very little can be counted on in this life, but God’s promises are a solid foundation because they’re backed by the honor of His Name (Psalm 138:2). While God’s promises are true, so many times we don’t get to experience them.
God promised a son to Abraham. In fact, God promised that Abraham would be the father of an entire nation. But there was no proof for Abraham to go on. It was only his faith that led him to leave his family and follow the God Who orders our steps.
We all pray for provision at one time or another. Many of you may be praying for that right now in some way. It may be finances. It may be in relationships. It may be for something intangible like faith or wisdom. The challenge is taking that first step of faith to see God do what He promised He would do.
If this world is not our home, why do our actions matter so much? After all, we’re saved by grace through faith, right? The reality is that we are saved by grace through faith in the complete and total work of Jesus’ death and resurrection. At the same time, God cares about our choices and actions. There will come a day when all will stand before Him, including the Christian. The question will be, “What do you have to show for the time, talents, and resources God gave you?”
To be fair, this truth can be wielded against well-meaning people. God desires that we have a truly transformed heart that is full of compassion for others. After all, that is God’s heart toward us.
As we discussed last week, “Maranatha” continues to serve as both a wake-up call and an encouraging reminder that one day, we will be with the Lord face to face. That truth should determine how we live out the rest of our lives.
It doesn’t take any amount of convincing that we’re living in a crazy world right now. It doesn’t matter your background, your beliefs, political viewpoints, or cultural upbringing, our world is the most advanced it’s ever been yet the most troubled. Wars are breaking out, famine and disease are rampant, natural disasters seem like a weekly occurrence, and let’s not even get into politics. So how do we live like Jesus in times like these?
The answer comes through an unlikely and ancient term, “Maranatha.” It’s an Aramaic term that served as a reminder, a prayer, and an admonition. It reminds us that the Lord is returning and that this world is not our home. It serves as an antidote to both apathy and anxiety. When the world is on fire, “Maranatha” is our peace in the storm.
Self-help is a massive industry, especially in our culture today. It seems that self-help books, motivational speakers, and life hacks are a dime a dozen, but the quest for a better life seems never-ending. In this information age, we still have not found the answer to a truly fulfilling life. Perhaps it’s because we are looking for the right answer in the wrong place.
So often, we default to a “think” and “do” way of life and Christianity. However, throughout Scripture, God emphasizes the heart as the most essential component of our relationship with Him and others. From the heart come the springs of life (Proverbs 4:23). Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). Love the Lord your God with all your heart (Deuteronomy 6:5). It’s clear that the heart is the foundation of our lives, and yet the lie we believe is that we have the power to change it. So, what hope do we have? As with most of God’s upside-down ways, the path to victory is by surrender.
Jesus came not only to be our Savior but also our King. Knowing Jesus as Savior saves us, but knowing Jesus as King transforms us. Oftentimes, salvation is viewed as the only aspect of Christian life, when it is really the beginning of a dynamic relationship with God. In 1 Corinthians 5:17, Paul says that anyone who is in Christ is made a new creation. In order to be new, we must fully step away from the life we were saved from into a transformed life.
The purpose of Scripture is to help us know God and be more like Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Transformation is often easier said than done, however. When we come to challenging passages as we read in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, we often want to fill the understanding gap with our ideas or the interpretations of our culture rather than sit with the text and allow it to transform us. Upon further digging, we see that Paul wasn’t just speaking about gender roles to subjugate women. He reinforced the truth of God’s design for unity, interdependence, order, and value for everyone in His Kingdom. Unfortunately, this verse has been extracted from the other verses that provide the context for God's beautiful blessing for us.
Communion may seem like another religious ritual that means little. Some churches observe it every week, while others observe it only occasionally. However, the Bible clearly states that regardless of how and whenever we observe communion, we should do so with the honor, faith, and power it actually holds. “Do this in remembrance of me,” Jesus said (Luke 22:19).
What does this have to do with condemnation? When you observe communion thoughtfully and rightfully, you realize that for those who are in Christ, who have received that free gift of salvation, there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1). Sin brings death (Romans 6:23), and as humans, we are prone to suffer under the burden of that sentence for our sins because satan loves to remind us of our failures and take advantage of our current failures. When we come to the Lord’s table, we can stand on the power of the new covenant (Luke 22:20), which has secured our adoption as sons and daughters once and for all. Communion not only reminds us of what Jesus has accomplished for us, but it also reminds us that He intercedes on our behalf for the Father (Hebrews 7:25). Suffice it to say communion holds more importance for us than we often realize.
Scan the tabloids at your local grocery store check-out line, and you’ll see a litany of “prophecies” about future events. Biblical prophecy, however, is much different. Sure, there were times when there was a foretelling of future events, but practical prophecy is simply telling the truth of God for the benefit of others. Biblical prophecy is aligned with Scripture, founded on love, and yielded to the Holy Spirit. It is not something that we can produce on our own. It inspires the Spirit of God within us, and brings encouragement, correction, or comfort to someone else. It’s an incredible opportunity to be part of the Lord speaking through us, and fear of getting it wrong shouldn’t hold us back from pursuing prophecy.
If you were asked what the foundation of Christian living is, what would be your answer? Some might say, “faith.” Some might say, “charity and good works.” Some might say other good things that are certainly in the Bible. But what if someone told you the foundation ought to be love? It seems counterintuitive. It seems too simple, too easy. Yet love is often the thing we lack the most. Jesus said in John 13:35 that the world will know we are truly His disciples by our love for one another. He didn’t say the world would know us by our charity, although that’s good. He didn’t say it would be our faith, knowledge, “spirituality,” the quality of our worship, or any other important aspect of our life in Christ. We are to be known by our love. It motivates everything else we do, and it ought to look so radically different compared to how the rest of the world “loves” each other. Does your love for others look radically different, or does it seem more like the world’s love?
The tongue, while essentially for sharing the gospel, has the power to cause destruction. In Chapter 3 of James's letter, he sheds some light on the necessary truths regarding our speech. If we don’t yield this small but powerful part of the body to God, we will use our words to tear others down. However, when yielded to God, the tongue is just as powerful to build up others and the Kingdom of God. So, how can we tame our tongue?
Many would say that Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection was the greatest gift to humanity. After all, it resulted in the eternal redemption available to everyone throughout history. And yet Jesus told the disciples before He went back to Heaven that there was more. He told them to wait for the promised Gift of the Holy Spirit. He had alluded to this Gift during His earthly ministry, and it was the kind of gift that He said was “good” and better than His physical presence.
The sad reality is that the topic of the Holy Spirit and His gifts has been one of the most highly misunderstood and maligned topics ever since. If Jesus said the Holy Spirit is a good gift and better than His physical presence, why do we often stay at arms length from this topic?
As critical as The Holy Spirit is to our relationship with God, the apostle Paul saw the need to emphasize the importance of unity. While it may seem odd at first, experience tells us that humans can tend towards pride, independence, and a myopic view of the world. Paul expertly uses the analogy of our physical bodies to explain how God intended us to use these special gifts He gives us.
This illustration fits perfectly across many levels and situations. For those struggling with pride and independence, it humbles us. For those struggling with insignificance, it empowers and encourages us. The truth is that God does have unique gifts for each of us, but we are not independent of each other and certainly not independent from Jesus.
The Holy Spirit is one of the more contentious topics in Christianity today. There is much misunderstanding about Who He is and what He does. What if we began by knowing Him instead of focusing on what He does? The “doing” is important, and we certainly don’t want to minimize it. Often, the “knowing” takes care of the “doing.”
If God described Himself as compassionate in Exodus 34, and Jesus is described as having compassion for the people He fed, healed, and taught, wouldn’t it be the same for the Spirit of God? The truth is that the Holy Spirit loves us and wants what is best for us. It’s the same invitation to a relationship that God established in the Garden in the very beginning.
Every gift from God is given with a specific purpose. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul describes various spiritual gifts as being distributed by the Holy Spirit for the common good. These gifts are not random or trivial; they are divinely orchestrated to help us grow spiritually and to support our community. Each gift is thoughtfully designed to help us fulfill our unique role in God’s plan.
In this episode, we talk about how God gives his gifts, how He uses them in His church, and ways we can answer God’s call on our lives.
As humans, we try to be better at things. We try to be better friends. We try to be better parents. We try to be better at budgeting. We try to be healthy. With God, however, He simply is. In Exodus, God showed His glory to Moses and declared that He is compassionate and full of loving-kindness. In other words, God showed Moses His very nature is one of generosity. When God created the world, He gave it to Adam and Eve. The famous verse, John 3:16, states, “For God so loved the world that he gave…” For God, giving and being generous isn’t a matter of trying harder. It’s just Who He Is. The invitation of Sabbath is to come to Him and learn from Him. What do we learn? We learn to be like Him. How do we learn to be generous like He is? We practice gratitude. To do that, though, we must slow down long enough to look and see all the blessings God has given us. Then, it’s up to us to choose whether to be grateful. The more we do this, the more we will be transformed into a generous person because we become aware of God’s generosity.
To get a digital copy of our Sabbath 2024 devotional, “Come Unto Me,” visit https://anyflip.com/xhevv/pmcc/
It seems obvious that being in God’s Presence is paramount to our faith and life as followers of Jesus. When we dig deeper, however, we find that we substitute or settle for a way of life that is less than God’s best. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, we crave a formulaic approach to our relationship with God. It was the same with the Israelites coming out of Egypt. They missed God’s heart and intention, craved their desires, and settled for a formula rather than a relationship. They failed to see that despite God’s intense holiness, He made a way for them to be with Him. In much the same way, we fail to realize the incomparable gift of Jesus, who is both the perfect sacrifice and our great High Priest, who has given us unrestricted access to God the Father.
Do you crave God’s Presence? Are you cultivating a rhythm of being with Him throughout your day? Only through this relationship can we truly fulfill God’s will and desire to be together. In this relationship, we also discover who we truly are in Him.
To get a digital copy of our Sabbath 2024 devotional, “Come Unto Me,” visit https://anyflip.com/xhevv/pmcc/
The invitation to God’s rest is simple. Jesus said, “Come to me.” A relationship with our God and Savior is the priority above all else. Despite that simple invitation, we fail to experience a lifestyle of rest because we run into roadblocks. This is nothing new. The Israelites experienced the same thing after they left Egypt. They were promised a homeland, yet they could not enter because they complained, looked backward toward Egypt, the land of their enslavement, and did not have the faith to believe in God’s promises despite the challenges they saw in the promised land.
What roadblock are you experiencing today? Perhaps the more important question to answer is, “Why.” Why do we fail to come to Jesus with our questions, doubts, struggles, insecurities, and more? Perhaps it’s because, in some way, we feel Jesus can’t relate to the circumstances we’re going through. That’s the encouragement that comes immediately after the warnings in Hebrews 4. Jesus is a “Great High Priest” Who can sympathize with our weaknesses. He’s the most relatable human being, which should encourage us to run to Him in every situation.
To get a digital copy of our Sabbath 2024 devotional, “Come Unto Me,” visit https://anyflip.com/xhevv/pmcc/
More and more studies show that detaching from work completely leads to increased performance and quality of work and life. It’s almost as if the world is catching on to the notion that rest is important. We all know this is true. However, how and where do we find the most rewarding and satisfying rest?The answer is very simple. Jesus invites us to simply come to Him. There isn’t a lot of detail other than that. While that might seem too good to be true, too easy, or not specific enough, the beauty is in the simplicity. Regardless of your season of life, you can come to Jesus and find rest.
To get a digital copy of our Sabbath 2024 devotional, “Come Unto Me,” visit https://anyflip.com/xhevv/pmcc/
Doing something without knowing why you’re doing it can easily lead to burnout and giving up. Even good things can become burdensome if we don’t have the “why” settled in our hearts. In looking to Jesus as our model for a Sabbath lifestyle, we see that His “why” was deeply rooted in compassion. It began even before Jesus was born. The famous verse, John 3:16, says, “For God so loved…that He gave.” Empathy without action is pity. Yet many of us feel inadequate or fail to see people with compassion, to begin with. What if the action of compassion began by simply asking the Father what He is doing in this situation? Imagine what God can do with the little that we have if we simply offer it to Him. That’s how compassion leads to the unhurried lifestyle of Sabbath.
To get a digital copy of our Sabbath 2024 devotional, “Come Unto Me,” visit https://anyflip.com/xhevv/pmcc/
Think about someone in your life who meant a great deal to you. What do you remember about them? Is it the good things, the bad things, a little of both? Remembrance was critically important to Jesus. It wasn’t for His ego, though. He knew that the world and life experiences would try to convince us that the opposite of Jesus’ character is true. He also knew that remembering Him correctly would lead us to a lifestyle of peace and Sabbath, even during life’s most troubling times. That’s the beauty of communion that we easily miss. We often see it as a rote religious tradition rather than a moment to pause and reflect. Yet in the elements of the bread and wine lie the mystery and joy of the Gospel and Sabbath. Jesus’ invitation to draw near to Him made in Matthew 11 is echoed in the humble nature of the Lord’s supper. It’s in the simplicity and intimacy of a meal that Jesus invites us to become friends, not slaves. The question is whether or not we will choose to accept His invitation
To get a digital copy of our Sabbath 2024 devotional, “Come Unto Me,” visit https://anyflip.com/xhevv/pmcc/
Confusion about the roles and identities of men and women has existed for a long time. It existed in Paul’s day, and we now grapple with it in our culture today. Unfortunately, a beautiful truth and biblical model gets lost in the weeds, and it is the most life-giving model for living this life. The reason is that, like so many other aspects of worship, we allow our culture to shape the Kingdom instead of vice versa.
The Bible makes it clear on multiple occasions that we should “flee” idols (1 Corinthians 10:14). We see Joseph run from the compromising situation he was in with Potiphar’s wife. But “running away” is probably counterintuitive to our thinking or our flesh. We may want to “stand and resist” that temptation or idol in our life. We may want to try and reason with it. We may want to tame it. But to run away? That just sounds cowardly. The secret to tapping into God’s strength and finding true freedom, however, lies in what we deem “weak.” When we run from idols and run to God, we find refuge, strength, and peace, but we also find much more.
The obvious things are just that. It’s apparent to all of us. What’s underneath our idols that is harder to discern and can be harder to part with. The reason is because it’s attached to our heart. There is a need in our hearts that has been elevated above the place that belongs only to God. We just may not realize it. Often it’s when we go through something difficult that we become painfully aware of that idol that may have been lurking in our hearts. Yet those are the very areas of our heart God is most lovingly concerned with. It’s those areas He wants for Himself to heal and to hold. It’s in those areas we find true peace, security, comfort, and all the things this world and every idol couldn’t possibly deliver.
It’s easy to think idolatry doesn’t exist when we live in a (mostly) monotheistic society. Idols are very much a real thing in every culture, however. They just look different. Some we might deem more obvious, and others more subtle. The caution is that no matter the time or place, we are all prone to idolatry, and we must keep ourselves from them.
St. Thomas Acquinas eloquently stated that, “the essence of sin is disordered love.” That’s exactly what idolatry is. When we place something other than God as first in our hearts, it’s an idol. It can happen with the obvious, but it can also happen with good things too. The lesson is that we must always be humble and willing to ask the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts and see if there is anything that might be in the place where only God should live. When we elevate our preferences, time, or resources above our love for God and/or others, it’s probably an idol. The good news is that the cure is not as costly as you might think.
Motivation is a funny word. We often use it when we talk about something that compels us to action. It's usually in reference to a very inconsistent, circumstantial emotion, however. It's rarely a constant, predictable force in our lives. Yet love for others is what ought to be at the heart of our lifestyle as Christians. Brotherly love should dictate everything we say and do, or that we don't say or do.
In the eighth chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses some specific behaviors regarding food and idols. It's easy for our modern sensibilities to disassociate ourselves from this story, yet what was happening under the surface is just as relevant for us now as it was in Paul's time. Believers back then wanted to "know" just how close they could come to the line before crossing over into sin. Paul addresses the specifics, but he does so in a way that shows the bigger issue at play. What we should be asking is how the exercise of our freedoms affect others.
As humans, we can be pretty simple creatures. If we see something that makes sense to our brains, or someone at least sounds like they know what they're talking about, we follow it and call it wisdom. God, however, does things differently. He chooses the foolish things of the world to show how wise He really is.
Unfortunately, our "wisdom" often leads to elevating our preferences. "I like this person/worship/style, etc." What results is a fractured Church when the call of Christ is to be One as God is One.
This is the essence of what Paul the Apostle was writing to the church in Corinthians. They were gifted, influential, and yet they were divided. Paul urges them to seek unity above all else because it is the great blessing of the cross. We are all on the same playing field, and that's good news.
The Good Samaritan. Many are familiar with this story, or at least its essence. Kind stranger helps needy stranger. Roll credits. But not so fast!
Maybe that's what's happening on the surface, but if all you take from this story is that we should be kind to others, you're missing out on a trove of implications and revelations that can only be uncovered when you commit to the text. So let's try this again, shall we?
In the story of the Good Samaritan, we are presented with a host of characters that expose our humanity in a myriad of ways. Sometimes we are the man beaten and left half dead because of our foolish decisions. Other times we are the holier-than-thou priest. And at times we are the Levite passing by because it's the "wise" or convenient thing to do. Couldn't we be The Good Samaritan in this story? That's where this gets interesting.
We were never meant to be the main hero of the story. That role belongs to Jesus. It was a wild story to tell in His day. It enraged the pharisees because it was a critique on their lack of honorable leadership. So if our failures are examined in those who pass by without helping, and we're not supposed to be the Good Samaritan, who are we, and why in the world does it matter today?
Priests represent God to the people and the people unto God. There was both a privilege the priests enjoyed as well as a responsibility. It's the same for us today. While we have the amazing treasure of God's Presence in this fragile, earthly body, we also have a responsibility to maintain our "temple" and to bring others to God. It's an amazing dynamic that can only be experienced when we willfully submit every part of our daily lives to Jesus, allowing Him to transform us into the priest He wants us to be. Only then will we realize that potential value God saw in us long ago.
Making disciples was the last charge Jesus gave us before He went back to Heaven, and it should be the primary concern of all Christians. Every person on Earth deserves to know and experience the love of Jesus. Over the years, disciple making for many churches has morphed into programs, books, and a set of "dos and don'ts." Those aren't necessarily bad. They were just never meant to be the starting point.
Jesus offered us a different way, and it seems simultaneously simple yet counterintuitive. Love others. Easy, right? This simple command has the power to transform someone's eternity. So often we get distracted by what we can see, such as someone's behaviors, that we fail to see what Jesus sees - their aloneness. Maybe if we took a step out of our world and entered into someone else's we would see God do something that only He can do.
When you stop and think about it, contentment can be hard to define and even harder to identify. After all, the wise among us would tell you that contentment can be a moving target as we grow older and the seasons of our life change. Life is a journey of ups and downs and everywhere in between. Being content no matter our circumstances can feel much easier said than done at times.
The apostle, Paul, says he learned "the secret" to being content whether he had much or little (Philippians 4:11). The good news is that this secret is for everyone. It's not found in a full bank account, pantry, diversified portfolio, thriving business, mass amounts of friends, or anything else that doesn't last. Those things aren't bad in and of themselves, but they don't provide contentment.
Trust in God is where we find that often elusive "secret" Paul refers to. When we give God the opportunity to prove Himself to be the loving Father He promised He would be, we learn to trust Him in all things. That is the secret to contentment.
Money can be massively divisive topic. It is one of the top contributors to divorce, as a matter of fact. It's no less potent when discussed within the church. The Bible has a tremendous amount to say about the topic of money, however. While it may not be the most important aspect of our faith, it does certainly hold a significant amount of weight to our lives and our relationship with God.
"I didn't see that coming," is a common expression after something unexpected happens. From accidents to surprises, we can easily be caught unaware, fixated in our own little worlds, tasks, and day to day lives.
It was the same in Jesus' day. Well, it was the same before His day, to be more specific. The Lord was silent for 400 years leading up to the birth of Christ. It was then that the Lord broke the silence to an unsuspecting priest named Zecharias and his wife, Elizabeth. Though Elizabeth was barren, they were chosen to be the parents of the one who would herald the arrival of our savior. God broke the silence, leaving Zecharias speechless, by sending a mouthpiece for the coming King of kings.
The question for us today is: If the Lord did something in your world right now, would you catch it or miss it?
Have you ever tried to push a big car? Depending on your strength, it may seem doable at first, but after a short while, even the stoutest among us would get tired. What if you knew that car was in perfect working order, it only needed a full tank of gas? Would you still continue to push it, insisting that your strength was enough, or would you fill it up as quickly as possible so you can really make progress on your journey?
Being filled with the Spirit is a common phrase heard in churches. It's the catalyst to living this Christian life. Without Him, it's impossible, much like pushing a car for more than a few miles. Jesus promised the gift of the Holy Spirit, and He intended for us to lean into this gift the way He did during His earthly ministry. So often we choose to try and do it on our own, unfortunately.
When you're on a trip or adventure, it's important to have some kind of guide. Maybe that guide is an actual person who has traveled that way before or maybe it's a map. Whatever the case, following the guide will get you to your destination. Not following your guide will get you lost or worse. Going your own way sounds nice initially, and it can certainly seem like the easier way. After all, you get to call the shots. Ultimately it has the more costly destination.
In Matthew 7, the Lord Jesus describes two pathways as He closes His famous Sermon on the Mount. One pathway is wide and easy, and the other is narrow and difficult, and He describes some of the results with a certain degree of shocking description. Why is this the case though? Why wouldn't the path to eternal life be the easier one to find and follow? Why should we be so on guard against deception and false prophets?
That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments!
Trends are nothing new. While our culture may be obsessing about trends currently, the fact is that trends have been rising and falling like waves in the ocean since the dawn of time.
What is particularly valuable, though, is to observe trends over long periods of time and what they tell us about people's behavior. To be more specific, observing church trends reveals something that is, frankly, alarming in our time. With a steady decline, we have to decide what exactly is going on and what to do about it.
Finding out why church attendance is in decline is the first step because without that answer, we are at best guessing at the appropriate response. The second answer is what we ought to do about it, and the truth is that we need to do something about it. This is, in fact, the great commission that Jesus gave the disciples and all who would believe. The third and more hard hitting question is whether or not we're being obedient to that commission.
Life would probably be a lot easier if we ignored Jesus' words. He did a lot of nice things and loved a lot of people. It's safe to say we can all agree that very few people had issues with what Jesus did. It's what He said that causes problems.
Whenever God's Word, aka Jesus, says something that goes against our paradigms, we stand at a crossroads. Are we going to continue to trust what the Bible says to be true, or are we going to deviate from that path and follow our own ideas? That's the point of conflict that everyone has at some point in their life.
Jesus' followers were faced with this very dilemma. They had all kinds of expectations of what Jesus would do, and up to that point, they were loving every minute of it. He fed them. He healed them. He blessed them. He delivered them. The only thing left to do was to overthrow the current political power. So when Jesus says some difficult things in John 6, it's no surprise that His following dwindled significantly.
The same dilemma is presented to us today. When following Jesus becomes difficult, will you choose to follow Him or will you walk away?
The Lord tells us in His Word over and over that He will be our provider. We sing songs about it. We read about it. We encourage one another about it. When the world around us is...unfavorable, are we going to continue to trust Him to provide even if, and especially if, the circumstances don't change the way we want them to.
That's the essence of the story of Esther, which is what we're talking about today! In this story, we see God move on behalf of His people, but not in the way we would have expected. It's in the mundane, day-to-day obedience of two ordinary people that God works His deliverance. That's perhaps the most relatable aspect of this story.
Forever is a long time. That may be the most obvious statement in history, but there is a lot to unpack when you really stop and think about it. What is forever? What implications does that reality hold for this present life? These questions and others like it ought to run through our mind at one time or another and evoke a compelling lifestyle change.
This was David's view when he wrote "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever," in Psalm 23. He knew that his every need, in this life and in the next, are secure in the Lord. What would your life look like if you lived with that kind of security?
The discussion doesn't stop there, however. If "forever" is real, how then should we live? The fact remains that Jesus is the only way to the Father, and there is a purpose for us while we are on the Earth. This is at the core of the Great Commission. It's the knowledge that all people face eternity, and there are only two places in which to spend it.
There is a theme throughout Scripture of the table of the Lord. At best, we have a fuzzy, intrinsic understanding of that concept. But when you think about it, the concept is a bit abstract.
When King David wrote, "He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies," in Psalms 23:5, he communicates deeply profound truths about God's provision in our lives. What does that actually mean in our day to day lives, though?
It's not a matter of "if" we go through hard times but "when" we go through hard times. We all face it. It's part of life. There are all kinds of questions that arise in the midst of hard times such as "why" or "why me" or "will this ever end."
Psalm 23 offers us amazing insight into the reality of the hard times that we all go through in one simple verse. Today, Pastor Charlie walks us through how valleys can actually be blessings and how we can embrace these moments in life because they afford us an opportunity that we wouldn't otherwise experience.
Sheep need a shepherd. It's plain and simple. We don't always like to admit that we need someone to "be the boss" other than ourselves, however. As we continue our series studying Psalm 23 and looking at Jesus as our Shepherd, we find that Jesus is truly the GOOD Shepherd, not just a hired hand.
Looking at it further, though, reveals the connection between what we see in our world's culture today and the lack of submission to the Shepherd. The paradox exists that when we submit, we can be truly free. So why don't we simply come to Jesus and submit to His leading? That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments!
Metaphors are used throughout Scripture. Whether it's in poetry or parables, the Bible uses metaphor to link two concepts together in order to paint a picture for us. In Psalm 23, David uses the metaphor of the sheep and the shepherd to describe our relationship with the Lord. It is a beautiful and profound way to depict this relationship that is full of nuance.
So why use sheep as the metaphor, and how does that relate to us today? You'll find that the similarities are greater than you might have realized. You'll also discover why that's such a good thing.
Throughout the years, we have toiled and worked ourselves to exhaustion, gaining what we thought would bring meaning and satisfaction. All the while we missed what, or rather Who, would give real rest to our souls. Whether it's emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual exhaustion, we all come to that place where we feel burnt out. And even though it began in the Old Testament, Sabbath is still just as relevant and imperative for us today if we would only surrender to the Lord of the Sabbath. It's there we find all that we need.
How do you define "prosperity?" Is it a well diversified portfolio of assets? Is it money in the bank? Is it the relationships you have and maintain? Or is it something else entirely?
When God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, He gave them wealth beyond imagination literally overnight. In a span of a few hours they went from being slaves to some of the richest people of the day simply by asking. But that was only part of God's promise to them.
What follows is the tragic story of God's chosen people who would not or could not trust in God's steadfast love. They had left Egypt, but Egypt had not left them. When the going got tough, their first response was often to look back at what they had when they were slaves instead of looking forward to what God had for them.
It's the same for us today, sadly. We often trust more in what our eyes see, our minds reason, or our hearts feel rather than the truth of God's Word. In that way we are continuing to live and operate in a slave mentality. The good news is that God still wants to drive the Egyptians out of you for good.
Let's be honest. The Bible is an ancient text written in multiple languages, in multiple styles, by multiple authors. It tells one big story, but it's not the easiest to understand. With the information age in which we live, it's so much easier to glean from others. The inherent danger, however, is to begin to replace our own exploration of the Bible and in turn our relationship with the Lord with knowledge from the work others have done.
The answer is to balance it out. Find teachers and mentors whom you trust and begin to explore the Word for yourself. You don't have to be a scholar to start reading the Bible. Just start reading, and ask God to speak to you. You'll be surprised how He responds!
The temple and priests are central elements of the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. These elements didn't just vanish when the new covenant in Jesus came about, however. They are both still very real and important elements of our identity in Christ.
Instead of a physical building, the Bible says that our bodies are "living temples," or dwelling places, for God. He lives within us because we have been purified by the blood of Jesus. Because of His sacrifice, we can now enjoy unfettered access to God's Presence, and we can take that with us wherever we go.
We also have been given all the responsibilities and privileges of priests. We can represent God to the people, and intercede for people to God. It's an amazing gift in which we come to know God more, find fulfillment, and discover real and lasting community.
Almost every church you visit has some form of singing or music as part of its service. The music may look, sound, or even feel different, but it's almost always there. Where did that idea come from? Is that something new, or has it always been part of man's relationship towards God?
We see worship throughout Scripture from different people in different circumstances. What may surprise or challenge you is that it always predicates God's Presence. We see that our relationship with God isn't just an intellectual one.
We're talking about all of this and more in this week's episode of Monday Moments!
To some, baptism is part of the faith that has never been up for debate. For some, it's a completely new concept. For others, it's been brought to the table as to whether or not it's relevant or even essential.
Throughout the Bible we see baptism being used as a way to illustrate God's great rescue plan - bringing order out of chaos, raising what once was dead back to life. It's more than just a beautiful part of our liturgy. It's obedience to Christ and an appeal to God for a clean conscience. It's both practical and mystical at the same time. The depth of its symbolism can occupy scholars and theologians for millenia, yet it's simple enough for a child to partake in.
So why do we baptize? That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments!
As we continue our discovery of the process of becoming fruitful for God's Kingdom, we looked at the central role suffering plays. We looked at the life of Job, and this time we are talking about Joseph. Like so many others in the Bible, Joseph's life was riddled with trouble and suffering, but God caused all that happened to Joseph to work for his good.
That's the way it is with our lives. We aren't promised a life free of trouble or suffering just because we are Christians. It's quite the opposite, in fact. What we are promised, however, is that God will cause all that suffering to work for our good if we will submit to the process and trust God throughout it all.
We know that in this life, we will have trouble. The Bible is clear about that. What's not always clear is why we have trouble or what God is doing or where God even is in the middle of our trouble. We have lots of knowledge or Bible verses to recite to others who are going through trouble, but when we are in the throws of a struggle ourselves, the rubber really meets the road and it's easier said than done.
So what does the Bible REALLY say about the trouble we experience? Why do we go through trouble? How do we handle trouble in a biblical way without downplaying it or hyper-spiritualizing it?
That's what we're talking about in this week's episode!
Defining the Gospel sounds like it would be a no-brainer. It's often trickier than we expect it to be, though.
We tend to equate "The Gospel" with "Salvation." While salvation is certainly part of the Gospel, it's not the sole aspect. Christ's coming, death, and resurrection brought so much more to the story, that is yet to be finished by the way, than we realize. All it takes is a read through the Old Testament to begin to understand why "the good news" is the really really good news.
The key difference is whether or not we view Jesus as merely our Savior or as our Lord. Even though we use these terms to refer to Him, the position of our hearts makes all the difference in our lives as to whether or not we can experience all the aspects of the Gospel that Jesus intended us to.
It's no coincidence that Jesus spent time with people around a table. He also used the table as imagery in His parables. In addition to all that, the people with whom Jesus ate was a constant source of contention amongst the religious community. Needless to say, sharing a table is something of significant importance to God.
It also becomes a point of concern amongst ourselves as well. It sounds nice to say all are welcome, but it can be more challenging than we realize. It confronts our prejudices and preferences and bids us die to our flesh for the sake of the Gospel. After all, Jesus ate with sinners, like us who were His enemies, and so we should also.
When something is built to a basic level of function, you might be tempted to think it's good enough. After all, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Unfortunately that mindset can carry over into our spiritual lives as well which, in turn, affects our day-to-day living.
It's true that when furniture is built well and functioning as it should, it has a certain amount of value. The difference in value between furniture that is functioning at a basic level and furniture that is not only functioning but also finished is staggering. They may perform similarly, but the finished product is far more valuable and desirable.
So what is the finishing touch in God's Kingdom? It's not a secret. In fact it's the very reason God sent Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul wrote explicitly about it in 1 Corinthians 13. It's what Jesus said upholds the entire law of Moses and the prophets. It's love. Love is the finishing touch that without it, makes all we do a cacophony of noise and discord.
The Bible is very clear. God gave us gifts, and He gave them to us to be used. It all starts by finding out what your gifts are. After that, it's important to talk about the intended context in which your gifts were designed to be used. Outside of that context, our gifts are weak, at best, or useless at worst.
What does that context look like? That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments!
As we talk more about God's purpose for our lives, we can't ignore His divine process. It typically involves two things: molding and anointing. We usually love the anointing part. That part is exciting. The molding, however, is the less fun part.
Like a piece of wood that needs to bend, it needs to be heated up in a dark, cramped space before it can be shaped into its intended design. Otherwise that piece of wood is going to break. It's in the dark confinement that God prepares us for our ultimate purpose. The problem is that it's easy to skip out on that process or avoid it altogether.
Why is our purpose a topic we talk about? Why is it even in the Bible?
Perhaps it's because we all wrestle with the question, "Why on Earth am I here," or because God wants to bring us back to His original design, or it's some combination of everything. Whatever the reason, the Bible has a lot to say about our divine purpose.
That's all well and good, but the process of discovering our purpose can be a different discussion altogether. The end of that process is glorious, but the pathway to get there is incredibly challenging.
Regardless of our feelings towards the process, the fact of the matter is that God is inviting us to take part in an incredible journey of discovering who were made to be and how we can be part of something greater than ourselves. First, we have to be willing to surrender to His process. Daily. When we do that, however, buckle up, because it's an incredible ride.
To some, the Bible is just another good book, but they may not see it as THE good book. For others, the Bible is part of their lives. They read it. They study it. But they often stop there. For us, the Bible is not meant to be an endpoint but a means to an end, and that end is a relationship with Jesus.
Without a proper view of that goal, it's easy to see why reading the Bible can become a tedious religious duty rather than an interactive experience. That's precisely the way God intended it, however. He wants a personal relationship with us; the primary vehicle is the Bible. If we shift our view of the Bible from a textbook to a personal letter, listen, and apply the words to our lives, we will begin to see transformation because of our relationship with Christ.
When you hear the term "the glory of God," it's easy to default to the big, showy, types of displays. You might think of miracles and healings, or you might think about the times that God's presence manifested itself in the Old Testament such as pillars of fire, whirlwinds, earthquakes, floods, etc.
Moses was someone who had seen all of those things. Despite that, he still asked God to see His glory, which ought to tell us that God's glory is more than just a display of His power. We find that God's glory is God's very nature and personality revealed without anything between us.
It might seem like an odd choice for a Christmas-time discussion. Still, the apostle, John, chose to accurately and poetically describe Jesus' birth this way, "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14)." God poured all of Himself into human form as Jesus, the Son. His character reveals the glory of God, and it's not powerful, showy, or flashy. He chose to come as a lowly, humble baby to a pair of no-name people full of grace and truth.
That is the paradoxical glory of Christmas. The fullness of God's glory in a vulnerable child Who came to save the world. The King of kings arrived for you and me without earthly pomp or grandeur because He loved the world so very much.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Hope is universal to human existence. We all hope for things, whether it be a positive outcome to a situation or business deal, a shift in our finances, a promotion in a career, a spouse, a family member, or any other number of things.
What sets biblical hope apart from optimism, however, is that biblical hope is based on a person, not circumstances. When we base our hope on a situation, it's easy to be disappointed, discouraged, and despairing. When our hope is in Jesus, we can remain hopeful for the future, facing it without fear, because whether good or bad, Jesus is always good, always faithful, and will always fulfill His promises.
Where is your hope this Christmas?
The best stories contain conflict and resolution. Without conflict, the resolution doesn't hold any emotional weight. When we identify with the characters and their struggles throughout their journey, however, the resolution is richly celebrated.
It's the same with the Bible. What may seem like a collection of separate stories is, actually, one continuous story with a thread running through it all. It's God's great rescue plan through which He would redeem all of mankind, saving us from eternal separation from Him. This plan culminated in the birth of Christ, which we celebrate every year at Christmas.
Why do we celebrate, though? What's the reason for all our singing and praising and rejoicing? Why all the festivities and "hoopla," as we sometimes say? That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments!
Jesus came to save us. That's first and foremost. He came to set us free and restore our broken relationship with God the Father. In this way, Jesus was reestablishing God's Kingdom on Earth. That was just the beginning, though. Before He ascended, He told the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit to empower them to be His witnesses. What we read about in the following pages are all the ways the apostles lived and gave testimony to God's Kingdom.
We are invited to do the same. To do that, however, requires a purity that challenges us. To live a lifestyle of purity is to be the kind of different that causes the world to wonder what we have that they do not. But how do we do that? How do we live a lifestyle of holiness? That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments!
Jesus did and said many things that went right over people's heads. Despite their best efforts, they just didn't get it. They completely missed the bigger picture Jesus was trying to get them to see. Hindsight may be 20/20 as they say, but the truth is that we often miss the same things. We try to solve problems with human solutions. We are averse to our need for a savior. We try to force Jesus to be king of our agenda. We only see our lack instead of God's ability to provide.
Where do you see yourself in this message? In what ways are you missing it?
Jesus was with the disciples for three years. He died and rose again. He breathed on them the breath of life, which was the Holy Spirit. Even after that, Jesus told them to wait for something more, a gift from the Father. It would be so good that it was better for them that Jesus left. Otherwise, the Holy Spirit would not come. There has been perhaps little else in all church history, however, that has been the center of more confusion and division than the Holy Spirit.
It should be the opposite, though. Instead of fearing or worrying about, or trying to control this gift, we should embrace it because God is good, and He gives good gifts. He doesn't trick us. In this sermon, Pastor Dennis explores what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit going back to creation and into the present day.
Jonah is most well known for being swallowed by a fish and, well, "deposited" back onto dry land. His story is much more than that, however. It's a picture of God's consistent character throughout history despite man's brokenness and flaws. It's a story of God's mercy coming to a people who did not deserve it. These people were enemies of God, much like the Bible describes you and me. Yet God offered them a chance to repent and be spared. What's most shocking in this story of fantastic circumstances is Jonah's response. He is indignant that God was consistent with His character and spared Ninevah.
So often, we can be the same way. We feel that God owes us more than others because of how we live our lives. Yet throughout the Bible, God extends grace and mercy on the undeserving freely to whosoever will come. He shows no partiality or favoritism, which ought to be cause for celebration and wild, unhindered generosity from us in sharing the good news of Christ. Sadly, we get caught up in the behavior and beliefs, or lack thereof, that we withhold that grace people so desperately need. We forget that at one time, we, too, needed God's grace and mercy.
It's easy to think that if we do enough "good deeds," go to church, say the right things, or just in general "be a good person," we'll get into heaven. We find in Scripture, however, that's just not the case.
Jesus had a conversation with one of the leading religious leaders of his day. This teacher knew all the right information and had done all the right things. Deep down, the rabbi knew there was still something missing. Jesus' response was, in essence, "It's not enough." In one of the most beautiful and logically confusing descriptions, Jesus informs the rabbi, Nicodemus, that to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, one must be "born again."
But what does that mean? How does that happen? How do we know if we've been born again or not? The answer is profound and simple. Do you know Jesus, or just know about Him? Is He the Lord of your life, or just a respectable guy?
Today, you can be truly born again, freed from the bondage of sin and death into a new life with Christ. It's a free gift offered to everyone. All you need to do is to receive it.
It seems so fundamental. It's the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Dig a little deeper, though, and you will find a spectrum of conscious or subconscious beliefs about what it means to be saved.
Is salvation transactional? In other words, do I do enough good deeds to be saved? Is it intellectual? Do I know the right things to be saved? Or is it, perhaps, something else entirely?
What if the answer could be found in a story that Jesus told about the relationship between a father and his son? It is simultaneously simple and profound. The answer is nothing short of beautiful and miraculous, only something God Himself could do. The result is something that completely changes us into different people and ought to beckon others to know the Father.
The first church in the book of Acts was something spectacular to read about. The people of that day felt the same. The Bible describes everyone as being "in awe" of the church. We feel this way so much so today that we want to "go back" to that model if it were possible. So what is it that is so attractive about that first-century church?
It wasn't just the product that came out of it but the foundation upon which it was built. Sure, the products of charity and generosity were great, but it wasn't the awe-inspiring focal point. It was the disciples' love for each other that drew people to them en masse. Certainly, preaching and teaching had a profound impact and shouldn't be overlooked or disregarded. But it was the Holy Spirit community that was the bedrock of their gatherings and outpourings.
If we are to look anything like that first-century church, we, too, must become a community of genuine, organic compassion. It begins with a relationship with Jesus, then love and relationship with God's Holy Spirit, followed by a love for people. The challenge is that we often crave a formula that will fast-track us to the end result. That is what devoids the church of the power with which God desires to imbue us.
Helping people in need can be easier said than done. Whether we're engrossed in our own little world with its to-do lists, or we don't want to be inconvenienced, or if we get overwhelmed by our lack of plausible solutions, it's easy to become anxious about reaching out to help the needy.
Peter and John certainly weren't well-to-do enough to solve the world's problems. They knew they didn't have much to offer in the way of finances or physical goods. They knew, however, that what they did have to offer was of far greater value than anyone around them realized.
We have the very same thing to offer the world, God's Holy Spirit, and God made it quite simple. If we will just listen and obey rather than worry or ignore, we will discover that we have much more to offer the world than we realize.
Loving everyone sounds really nice. It makes great bumper stickers and t-shirt slogans, but it isn't always that easy. The challenge of loving people doesn't make it any less true or necessary, but it's often easier said than done. If we're honest, loving people is hard. It costs us something. We may have to give up our comforts, our time, our energy, or our resources. It's what Jesus did, and it's what He commissioned us to do. So why is it so hard to love people?
Jesus saw people differently. He didn't just see them with His physical eyes. He saw them with spiritual eyes. He saw the hunger, the brokenness, and the desperation within every person, which moved Him with compassion. That compassion compelled Him to heal them, share a meal with them, teach them, and ultimately die for them. We, however, fail to look with spiritual eyes and therefore have the same compassion for people who, frankly, challenge us in our flesh.
So how do we look beyond the physical to see what's underneath the surface? That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments!
It's one thing to feel sorry for the circumstances of others. It's another thing to be so moved by love that you'll do something about it. That's what it means to have compassion for someone or for a group of people. It's the characteristic of God that compelled Him to have mercy on His people.
We often find it difficult to have compassion for others, however. Perhaps we just don't care enough, or perhaps we find ourselves passing judgment, relegating them to the bed of their own making.
In the story of The Prodigal Son, we have three characters by which to view ourselves. Unfortunately, we may not like which character we most resemble. It's in this story, though, that we see the compassionate love of the Father and the value He places on all of us. From there, we are commissioned to have the same compassion towards the world around us.
Commitment is an interesting word. It's something we can all agree is a good trait to possess. In theory, we all want to be committed. But how do you actually take steps to develop commitment in your life, much less in an entire group of people so that it becomes an engrained part of their culture?
In Nehemiah, we see the establishment of 6 covenants to which the Israelites chose to commit themselves. The tenth chapter ends by saying, "We promise together not to neglect the Temple of our God." These 6 principles were of utmost priority to them and so every person and family became willing to do their part to maintain the Temple and their way of life.
So what does that mean for us in our modern context? Do these Old Testament principles still have a relevant impact on our lives, our churches, or our society today? What is the significance of this list for us on the other side of the Resurrection?
That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments!
When it comes to our goals, our mission, or our everyday tasks, it's easy to get distracted or lose focus. It's even easier when it comes to our spiritual lives because there is a very real enemy who does not want us to succeed and will stop at nothing to make sure we fail.
In Nehemiah 6, we see that Nehemiah and the Israelites also had a very real enemy who used multiple tactics to try and stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. Thankfully, those tactics failed, and we now have a blueprint for success in our own lives today.
That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments, aka Bald, Bearded, and Biblical!
Chaos is something that we encounter regularly in our lives. How we deal with chaos and the aftermath is another matter entirely. Nehemiah and the Israelites had a choice to make. They could live with their chaos and settle for good enough, or they could clean up the chaos and receive God's best for them.
So often that's God's invitation for us. We can settle for "good" or "good enough," or we can pursue God's best. The amazing part is that God can do more than we dare to think or imagine in a short amount of time than we believe possible.
That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments!
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As Christians, it can be easy to slip into one of two extremes when it comes to the culture around us. Either we become apathetic, withdraw, and wait for the promise of the great "by and by" to come, or we sometimes lose sight of the fact that this world and all its kingdoms are temporary. So how do we live in the middle? Is it possible to care and show concern for what we see in culture while still remaining loyal citizens of God's Kingdom?
That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments!
Nobody is perfect. We know that. More importantly, Jesus knows that. The best part about that fact is that Jesus knows about all our imperfections, mistakes, worst decisions and sins, and yet He loves us just the same.
The story of Zaccheus may sound like and odd choice for a Palm Sunday sermon, but it's the ideal story to showcase how much Jesus seeks us out, calls us by our true identities, and then enters our world, mess and all, and loves us so that everything we thought gave us value and meaning becomes meaningless. That's when we can truly be free, and that's the very reason Jesus came, died, and rose from the dead. He did it for you and me.
We often refer to the "walls" in our life in a negative context. Usually they're described as a method of keeping relationships at a distance in an unhealthy way. Walls, however, do serve a very important purpose in our life and are vitally important.
What does it look like to restore the walls in our life in a healthy, life-giving way? That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments.
Drop a comment if you enjoyed this episode because we always love to hear from you, and please consider hitting the subscribe and like button to help support this content.
Being a "chosen people" means to be a community in which God's presence lives and whom God uses to bring redemption, relationship, restoration, and salvation to the world around them.
God's requirement is to be separate from the culture around us. It's to be different. It sounds easy, but the reality is that it's often challenging and difficult to keep the culture around us from seeping into our lives. It can also be difficult to figure out how we should live in the world but not "be of it" as Jesus said.
So what does it look like to be "set apart?" What does it mean to be "a chosen people," and why does it even matter? That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments!
Life can be hard. We wish it wasn't, but that's just the nature of things. The fact is, Jesus didn't promise us an easy life. He promised just the opposite. His promise is that we would have trouble in this world, but that He has overcome it. Now He lives in us as does the same power that raised Him from the dead.
So why do we still struggle with adversity? Is it something we can overcome easily with little to no effort, or can we be done with it altogether?
That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments!
Most of us know or have at least heard the phrase, "God is good." It's an integral part of His character, and there are numerous examples within the Bible that show His goodness on display.
But if God is good, why do bad things happen? Does that make God less good? These kinds of questions arise within us when the chips are down in life.
That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments.
If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know in the comments below. We would love to hear from you!
This may sound like one of those odd, Christian-ese phrases. But there is a divine truth that we are the temple of God, the place in which God lives and dwells and is worshiped and His glory is displayed. It's a holy place, set apart from everything else around it, and it is entirely devoted to Him. At least, that's how it was in the days of the Old Testament. God gave the ancient Israelites very specific instructions regarding His dwelling place and how they were to conduct their worship.
But do we treat our bodies as "living temples?" What are the implications of living out that reality? How would that change the way you live your day-to-day life? That's what we're talking about in today's episode of Monday Moments!
In this episode of Monday Moments, we're looking at the transition of the Israelites out of Babylon back to Jerusalem. What's surprising is how many of them remained in Babylon instead of going back to Jerusalem. It's interesting to look at this story with an empathetic lens and learn what it looks like to prioritize God's promises in our life.
When difficult seasons stretch on longer than we thought they would, transitioning can be challenging. Where do we go from here? What do I do now? These might be common questions that arise in these situations. God is so faithful to lead us to the next step of our journey every time if we will listen and follow.
That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments!
For most of us, we want to know that we're living the way we ought to be living. Call it control or fear or the honest desire to do what's right, we all want to know that we're "on the right path," so to speak.
Is there a way to know that for certain? How can we be sure? Perhaps the bigger question we often entangle ourselves with is, "Does God really want to talk to me?"
That's what we're talking about in today's episode of Monday Moments!
Please leave a comment below. We love to hear from you!
Life is full of good and bad. Sometimes it's the result of our choices, while other times it's the result of simply living in a broken world. How should we respond when things outside our control are forced upon us? What is God up to in these times?
That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments!
In times of uncertainty, knowing what God wants us to do becomes all the more important. It can also bring with it a heightened sense of anxiety for fear of missing it or making a wrong choice. When the stakes are high, the fear of failing can be, too.
But God doesn't make His will hard to know, and there may already be some really practical tools available to you to find out what that might be. The true blessing, however, is knowing God more through the process, not just the outcome.
That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments, the show in which we take a deeper dive into Sunday's sermon.
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Preparation often looks like having a plan for every possible situation and outcome, whether good or bad. Yet, being prepared spiritually looks very different. We obviously don't know the future, but we do know the One who does. So how do we prepare for the unexpected? Perhaps it's easier than we think, and perhaps it leads to true fulfillment.
That's what we're talking about in today's episode of Monday Moments! What are your thoughts? We would love to hear from you!
Hardship plays an interesting role in our lives. It challenges us and changes us, but only if we allow it to. In fact, it's the very vehicle God often uses to bring about the biggest transformation within us. So often we try to escape hardship or fear it means we are somehow outside of God's will.
But what if hardship or struggle is exactly what we need? What if that is the very thing that will lead to God's biggest breakthrough in our life?
That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!
Christmas is a special time of the year when we celebrate family, giving, and hopefully, Jesus' birth.But the birth of Jesus was only half of the point of the early church's celebration of Advent. The early church was looking beyond a singular moment in history, and they fixed their gaze on the second coming of Christ.
In Scripture, we see Jesus talking about His second coming through parables in an effort to encourage His disciples and followers to not be caught unprepared when He returns. He describes His return as "a thief in the night," meaning it will be unexpected and sudden.
As we enter the holiday season, would you begin to prepare yourself for the second Advent, whether it be soon or a long time from now? What would that look like for you, and how can you take the investments which God has made in you through Christ and invest it into others this season?That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments!
Thankfulness isn't just about gratitude for the good things in life. Although, it's important to see how much we've been blessed and to thank God accordingly.
A lifestyle of thanksgiving is being grateful to God for who He is, what He has done, what He promised He will do, and being grateful for the difficulties in life. That doesn't mean denying the pain, heartache, or struggle, but recognizing that God will cause all things to work for the good of those who love Him. Nothing is wasted. Nothing is in vain. He is Lord over everything.
We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
A covenant is different than a promise. It's different because if one person breaks their end of the agreement, the other person still holds to their side. We most often see covenants made between God and man in Scripture, but when a group of persecuted Christians fled Europe, they established a new covenant with God upon their arrival to the new world.
What happens when that covenant is broken? That's what we're talking about in today's episode of Monday Moments!
Today we hear common phrases such as, "Speak/live your truth," or "What's true for you may/may not be true for someone else." So how can you be sure if anything is certainly true? Does absolute truth even exist?
The bigger challenge is when we are faced with something claiming to be the truth that conflicts with our perception or knowledge. It's called cognitive dissonance, and it's at those critical junctions that we have a choice to make. We can either submit to what claims to be true, which in our context is God's Word, or we choose to eliminate that in part or whole.
That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments. If something stood out to you, please let us know! We would love to hear from you!
It's 2021, and we're no strangers to the term "influencer." But what does it actually mean to have influence? What is good influence? What is bad influence? What kind of influence should we be looking for or striving towards? That's what we're talking about in this week's episode of Monday Moments.
Salvation without the relationship is just religion. Sadly, religion doesn't equip us to withstand the hardships that life brings or the persecution that the Bible promises will come.
So then what makes the difference? The answer is a relationship with God and trustworthy people. This approach often challenges the way we engage scripture, but it's the best way.
Approaching scripture with a mindset of "a list of right and wrong," a "theological dictionary," or a "devotional grab-bag," will leave us ill-equipped to face challenges, persecution, and the big questions we ask ourselves or get asked by others.
What do you think? We would love to hear your thoughts on this topic!